MVLA board approves summer turf replacements and track overlays amid safety and cost questions

The Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District board voted May 4 to approve two summer projects to replace synthetic turf and overlay tracks at Mountain View and Los Altos high school stadiums after staff said field testing showed the aging turf nearing unsafe performance. Trustees approved the separate proposals for each campus by voice vote, with motions moved by Katherine and seconded by Alex; both passed 5‑0.

Board members pressed staff and contractors on cost, durability and contractor accountability during a lengthy discussion. Trustee Katherine said she was taken aback by the price tag, calling it “absolutely flabbergasting to me that it costs almost $1.5 million” for what she described as a field replacement. Facilities staff said the projects include not only the synthetic turf carpet but track resurfacing and related sub‑work; resurfacing the track avoids more extensive future repairs to subbase and asphalt that could carry higher costs.

Facilities staff and contractors told trustees the existing turf had been in place about 12 years and recent testing showed fiber wear and infill settling that reduced safety performance, prompting the recommendation to replace the surface and add a cork infill to reduce heat. The district’s presentation cited safety testing and typical manufacturer guidance that synthetic surfaces have roughly a 10‑ to 12‑year useful life; staff said diligent maintenance and annual assessments had extended the current fields to 12 years.

Trustees asked for additional contract protections. Board members raised concerns about the contract’s absence of a liquidated‑damages clause and language that limited contractor responsibility for cost changes. Facilities staff said they would follow up with contract details and noted the district uses pre‑qualified procurement schedules (California Multiple Award Schedule) common to public agencies to expedite work and secure vetted contractors. Administration cautioned that adding substantial new contractual conditions could delay the project past the available summer window and asked the board to weigh that trade‑off given the safety findings.

Board member Alex asked for lifecycle and comparative cost information to guide future choices, noting that ongoing maintenance of natural grass to match the year‑round use of the stadiums would also be costly. Staff offered a rough estimate that grass maintenance at current levels could be about $100,000 per year, while synthetic turf replacement cycles typically occur every decade.

The board approved Mountain View’s proposal first and then approved Los Altos’ replacement in a separate motion, both recorded as 5‑0 approvals. Staff said both projects are scheduled for a 6‑ to 8‑week summer timeline and that they will return with any requested contract clarifications and additional information on turf sourcing and materials.

What happens next: administration will finalize contract terms and report back on the requested details about infill materials, manufacturer location and contractual remedies for delays; construction is planned to begin and be completed during the summer construction window.